But Robert Nation, theater director at Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, saw the "urban murals" as the perfect backdrop for his students' production of "Godspell," the 1970s rock musical. The story – about finding love and forgiveness in a chaotic world – is set in an urban junkyard in New York City.

"It's a whole style of painting that I'm not familiar with, but when they're done, the artwork is so modern," Nation said. "It's a very new thing that's become mainstream."

James, whose legal name is Nation, agreed that their art would be a natural fit for Godspell.

"I approached the artists and we kind of said, 'Yeah, let's do this,' " James said.

On Friday, graffiti artists descended upon Rolling Stock to paint. This time, theater flats served as their canvases – 8-foot-square pieces of wood that will form a backdrop for the play. Some of Nation's students were there Friday to watch the artists work and sing songs from Godspell.

"It's like worlds coming together," he said. "The kids are all really excited."

Among the artists was Steven Reyes, 36, of Miami, who's painted at Art Basel Miami Beach for the last four years and works under the name KEDS. Reyes said he's created "aerosol art" for more than 20 years and prefers bright, bold colors.

"It's probably one of the purest art forms now," he said.

Reyes said he was happy to paint for the students at Flanagan High.

"Anything to help out kids in school. Education is important," he said.

Nation said he asked that the artists use words from the show – love, peace, forgiveness and kindness – but that he couldn't make any demands.

"They pretty much do their own thing," he said.

The flats will run about 45 feet across the stage with a chainlink fence in front, Nation said. After the show's over, he said, they plan to auction off the flats to raise money for a charity. His students haven't settled on one yet, he said, but the auction is expected to be held in February.

"I think it's kind of in keeping with the whole message of the play," he said. "We're doing good."

James said many of the artists were excited when he approached them about the project.

"Everyone is looking for an opportunity to show that this is legitimate. It is an art form," he said.